Local government

Local government in Aotearoa is facing into a once in a generation transformation – a wave of changes all colliding at once.

Councils across New Zealand are facing pressure and shifting obligations due to ongoing changes in the sector. Major system changes such as resource management and water services reform are prompting councils to rethink how services are designed and delivered, and how they position themselves to meet current and future community needs.

A challenge from central government to focus on core competencies, financial sustainability, and long-term planning brings strategic asset management and IT and technology modernisation into focus.

KPMG combines hands-on local experience with insights from our global network to support our clients across a range of specialist areas including commercial and financial advice, to organisational and technology transformation – working together to navigate better outcomes for New Zealanders.

Key drivers of change

Water reform

Councils must choose a future water services model and prove it is affordable, sustainable and compliant under Local Water Done Well.

Resource Management Act (RMA) reform

A new planning system is reshaping how councils manage growth, development and environmental outcomes.

Financial sustainability

Mounting cost pressures and ageing infrastructure are forcing councils to rethink how services are funded and delivered.

IT/ technology modernisation

Outdated systems and poor data practices are accelerating the need for secure, integrated and digital‑ready technology.

Asset management maturity

Ageing infrastructure is driving demand for better insight, smarter investment and stronger asset management.

New financial and regulatory requirements

Complex reporting and assurance obligations are raising the bar for council governance and financial capability.

How we can help you

Our Local Government team understands the unique needs of the sector today, and we offer targeted advice and solutions that can help councils achieve policy reform and to transform the way services are delivered. 

Funding and financing advice

Strategic planning, demand and financial modelling, debt structuring.
Asset management

Optimisation of assets, asset management systems, strategic asset management plans, investment decision making and efficiency in operations and maintenance.
IT & technology transformation

Core technology modernisation, comprehensive transformation programme delivery, cloud transition and enablement, responsible AI design and deployment, and managed services.
Programme review and analysis

Regulatory strategy, price setting, cost benchmarking, regulatory submission development and review, and regulator engagement services.

Business case preparation

Feasibility studies, market sounding, funding applications, transactions, negotiations and contracts.
Risk management and governance

Fit-for-purpose governance design and practice cadence, compliance frameworks, ownership models for risk management and controls, and oversight and assurance practices.
Regulatory and infrastructure reform

Regulatory strategy, price setting, cost benchmarking, regulatory submission development and review, and regulator engagement services.